Grand Theft Auto IV breaks entertainment launch records

[Chris]

We posted about the UK's 'day 1' sales figures for GTA IV last week, and now Take 2 have published a press release concerning overall worldwide sales data so far, the figures are amazing.

New York, NY – May 7, 2008 – Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO), said today that Grand Theft Auto IV has surpassed all-time entertainment records for day one and week one sales by dollar value. Released on Tuesday, April 29th, Grand Theft Auto IV, the critically acclaimed video game, has sold through to consumers approximately 6 million units globally with an estimated retail value of more than $500 million in the first week. Grand Theft Auto IV sold approximately 3.6 million units on its opening day with a retail value of approximately $310 million globally.

"We knew Grand Theft Auto IV would break new ground in terms of the player's experience, with its compelling story line, extraordinary gameplay and action that ranges over a broad urban canvas. Now, it has broken sales and rating records as well. Grand Theft Auto IV's first week performance represents the largest launch in the history of interactive entertainment, and we believe these retail sales levels surpass any movie or music launch to date. We congratulate the entire Rockstar team on creating a must-have experience that takes the legendary Grand Theft Auto franchise to a new level," said Strauss Zelnick, Chairman of Take-Two.

"Rockstar's goal is to make each new title in the Grand Theft Auto franchise even better than those that preceded it, and Grand Theft Auto IV is a smashing success on that score. Grand Theft Auto IV makes full use of the power of next generation technology, and offers players an experience unique in the interactive entertainment medium. This game sets a new standard in the industry, with critics hailing it as both an artistic and technological masterpiece," said Ben Feder, Take-Two's Chief Executive Officer.

So there you have it. 6 million units in just the fist week, and over half of those were on the first day!

Link: Take2 Press Release

[Rablo]

that to much

[Harwood Butcher]

Honestly, this doesn't surprise me. I expected high sales.

[MichaelS]

GTAIV is now the most successful game with making the most money in only a week of release. The next gen game has made MORE money than what Disney's Pirates of Caribbean Dead Man's Chest made in a year of release.

A bit of side news, Australian Government is trying to ban the game from being placed on the shelves, although are realising (being how stupid they are) this isn't going to stop game play but instead just rise the ratings.